The Evolution of Man

[brotherbear]

(11-08-2016, 12:57 AM)Pckts Wrote:

(11-08-2016, 12:34 AM)brotherbear Wrote: Lacking size or weapons, this early human species most likely used brains, agility, and social skills to escape from predators, the anthropologist says. 
 
Sounds good. Now, explain this; a troop of Australopithicus, lets say a group of thirty individuals ( a rather large group ), six dominant males, eight young-adult females, eight older individuals of both sexes, and eight juveniles. They are suddenly confronted by a pride of lions, sixteen lionesses, a coalition of four big males, and a host of cubs. 
Exactly how do these 'early human ancestors' use their brains and social skills to outwit the lions? 

How do primates avoid predation now?

I would assume that they would have look outs, alarm calls, escape routes and safe zones (areas not easy for predators to follow) and all would contribute to their safety, but that certainly doesn't mean that they wouldn't fall victim from time to time. I don't think anyone is disagreeing with that.

The only large primates living in a similar environment today are baboons. Sometimes, the mature males must face-off against predators. If not a bad smell, then there is something we are not looking at. Fossil bones give us a great deal of information. They tell us that Australopithicus was neither built for fighting nor a quick escape. They tell us what he couldn't do, but not what he could do. Bones don't lie, but neither do they give us a complete book of information. Reply